Happy New Year to all......

Koko is doing pretty well.  Has a bothersome cough almost sounding like she has a bone caught in her throat but nothing visible.  She has been on several programs of Amoxycillin and other antibiotics so not sure what the issue is.  Her bad eye socket has started seeping again - a small amount but seeping none-the-less so I suspect an infection of some type.  It doesn't appear to have any swelling or puss, just clear seepage.  I will try to get her to another vet this week for another opinion.  If that doesn't provide any relief I will probably take her to the vet in Cinci I volunteer for when he has clinics in Adams County as he seems to be very good. Expensive kitty that Koko.    Meanwhile her assumption that she is the queen around here is keeping things lively.

Another new kitty came from the young men who used to do some work around my house for me and baby-sit the animals when I had to go out of town.  They saw it dumped in an intersection and rescued it but the cat (Buddy) was an intact male and their other animals were NOT amused.  So of course, I went to get him and immediately took him to the vet to be tested for FeLV.  After he tested negative he came home and in a large dog crate for a day til the majority of the hissing was done.  Then out and about for two days til he went in to be neutered.  He is a handsome gray short hair with light tiger stripes and beautiful green eyes.  He is a lover, plays with Koko - running all over the house.  Also plays with Charlie and the others so for the most part things are going well.  Vet estimated him to be less than 1 year old.  He keeps trying to sneak outside tho so I suspect come summer he will be an in/out kitty.

Charlie is... Charlie.  He behaved better when I first brought him home than he does now.  Definitely a puppy and MOST definitely a chewer.  Books, paperback or hardcover, he isn't choosy, are going fast if I am not careful.  One leash, the power cord for my portable DVD player (last puppy Nameless did the same thing!) and thinks the kitty litter pans are buffets!  Gross.  He is getting a little better but if I can get him adopted his new family will know up front they still have some training to do.  At least he is paper trained so if he can't hold it overnight it isn't a disaster.

Slim is doing OK, seems to be slowing down more and more but no new growths other than the small one on his bottom lip so that is a good thing.  He had been a bit overwhelmed and grumpy about Charlie and still is if he gets too obnoxious but they have actually started play fighting now and then so that seems to be working out.

Polar Bear and Chica play fight with Charlie-The-Obnoxious all the time and tear the house apart.  They will usually settle down and look guilty if I yell at them tho so for the most part we are surviving.  The house is a zoo... everywhere you look there are cats; I feel like a cat lady and it is a bit worrisome.  But so far it is working out, the cats usually get along and I clean the multiple litter pans 2 times a day so have no problem there.  Problem is the money it takes for cat food and cat litter... adds up much quicker than you would think.

Speaking of money, I have an important job interview this coming Wednesday with the County Vet Admin/Services group here in town and I am hopeful.  I went out and bought some 'interview' duds.   Had to be a veteran to apply and neighborhood scuttlebutt says they are friendly, laid back people.  Looking for an administrative assistant so I am very excited although I am apparently one of several who will be interviewing with the entire Board of Commissioners.  I think there are 5 on the board... will have to check before I go.  Will probably feel like I am on trial... Yeeeeehhhhaaaaa!

The same day I got the call from them I got a call from a locally owned grocery store asking me if I wanted to start with them - immediately - as in THAT DAY!  Sheeze!  After all this time of NOTHING I get two calls in the same day.  I think I have it worked out to where I will start part time for the grocery tomorrow or Tuesday (Jan 2 or 3).  They know about my interview on Jan 4 and understand that if I am lucky enough to get the job with the Vet Svcs group I would only be available to work for them some part time on weekends and maybe evenings.  If I don't get that job she wants me for up to 32 - 38 hours a week so what the heck.  She is understanding, (we met and talked a couple of times) and now that my retirement has started (got my first check Saturday), even at minimum wage (less than $8/hour) it will be enough to live on if I am careful.  Also, either one of them is but a 15-minute drive.  Maybe the New Year will work out OK.

Super windy and chilly today but so far this winter hasn't been much of a winter temperature wise.  We had our first snow, just a teeny dusting, the day after Christmas but otherwise it has been in the 40's and even 50's with a day or two in the 60's.  I keep the thermostat set at 60 degrees and wear a hoodie in the house most of the time.  Keep my ceramic heater going in the bedroom if I want to go in and lay in bed to read a book.  So far am using a lot less propane so that will help too.  Meanwhile I am hoping the wind doesn't damage or even blow down my car size canvas garage cause it is REALLY strong and gusty today!  That would NOT be a good thing to see that sailing through the neighborhood.

OK.  Enough rambling.  I hope everyone had a good New Years Eve and there is a better year ahead for all of us.

-me

Slim, Polar Bear, Chica & Charlie

Koko, Shaggy, Lucky, Sid Vicious, Newbie, Scruffy, Lil Red, Taz & Buddy

      Remembering Puss Puss & Luke